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Winter message for needy: You have help

Forum outlines heating-aid programs available in region

By Rebecca Leonard, rleonard@sentinelandenterprise.com

Updated:
11/05/2015 06:53:36 AM EST

John Keeney, area project manager of New England Farm Worker's Council, tells local nonprofit and community leaders about the benefits of the National Fuel Assistance Program during a forum Wednesday in Gardner. SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE / Rebecca Leonard

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GARDNER -- As winter approaches, families throughout the region will need a helping hand keeping their homes warm.

The good news: Fuel-assistance programs are available.

During the 15th annual heating forum Wednesday hosted by the United Way of North Central Massachusetts and Unitil Corp., local nonprofit and community leaders were urged to help customers become aware of fuel-aid programs in their areas.

The forum reviewed all the heating-assistance programs, rebates, discounts and federal fuel-aid dollars available to those who will need help staying warm this winter.

"We've had some disturbing news," said United Way President Phil Grzewinski during the forum held at the Colonial Hotel. "Even though the price of oil has gone down, there has been a 60 percent increase in the need for services."

Grzewinski said he isn't sure if the increased need is a temporary situation or just a upward trend for the upcoming heating season.

Alec O'Meara, media relations manager at Unitil, said it's great that oil prices are "falling through the floor" for people who heat with it, and from the electric side, the rates are about $25 cheaper than last year at this time.

John Keeney, area project coordinator of New England Farm Worker's Council, explained what types of fuel assistance programs are available this year for families in need.

The council manages the National Fuel Assistance Program, which serves households that meet specific income guidelines.

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Families can apply whether they own or rent their home.

"A misconception is that you have to be desperately poor to qualify," said Keeney.

Keeney said a family of four with a household income of $63,704 or less would qualify for the program. For a single person, he said, the income figure is $33,126.

He said the fuel-assistance program is a gateway to other programs offered by the council, such as the Weatherization Assistance Program and the Heating System Repair and Replacement Program. Both can be applied for after a household has been approved for fuel assistance.

Their service area covers 27 municipalities in North Central Massachusetts, said Keeney, and they take applications throughout our service territory by appointment.

Sue Corson, customer assistance program coordinator for Unitil, reviewed the company's budget billing program, which makes monthly utility bills more affordable by leveling out higher seasonal energy bills, spreading them out throughout the year. Customers can sign up during any time of the year.

Income-eligible customers can manage their utility bills or eliminate existing money owed through the Arrears Management Program. The program serves customers who qualify for the discount rate and have an overdue balance of $300 or more for their gas service. They would have to enter into an agreement to pay their current utility bills on time in order to participate and acquire up to $1,200 in relief per year on their outstanding balances.

"Nobody wants to not be able to pay their bills," said Corson. "Applying for these programs reduces that stress."

For customers who are over the income limit for low-income programs, Unitil offers the MassSave program. the program provides 75 percent rebate of up to $2,000 to install energy-saving home improvements -- the installation of energy-saving products such as Energy Star products or insulation. A free home assessment will give customers an estimate on how much it would cost to enhance energy savings in their home.

Maribeth Janssens, director of community impact at United Way, explained about its Emergency Shelter Program, which provides emergency shelter to homeless people during extreme weather conditions.

The initiative is managed by United Way, with its community partners, and funded by the Ronald M. Ansin Foundation and the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts.

Daisy Rivera, family support officer of Montachusett Opportunity Council in Fitchburg, works directly with families with low income.

"I'll take this information on the programs and use it to help the families I work with," said Rivera, "It's good to know who I can refer them to for assistance with fuel and other utility bills."

For more information on the Emergency Shelter Program, local agencies can call United Way at 978-345-1577, ext. 304.

To learn more about any of Unitil's programs, customers may call 1-888-301-7700. To apply for fuel assistance with New England Farm Worker's Council customers can call 978-342-4520.

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